St. Paul daily globe., 1887-04-03
BET: A SKETCH.
CHAPTER L.

CHAPTER l.
MarchioneSs of Carmarthen in Cassers Maga-
zine.
A glorious July afternoon some sixty
years ago in one of the midland counties; a
narrow lane between hedges. where the
wild rose grew in sweet profusion; and a
young man trudging along, whistling scraps
of country ditties with lusty enjoyment.
He was strong. weIl-built fellow, with
an honest, kindly face that was redeemed
from being commonplace by the firm lips
and bright gray eyes.
In one hand he carried posy of glowing
summer flowers, and doubtless it was
thoughts of the future recipient that made
him whistle so gayly, and rejoice so gladly
in the shining sky and hot sunshine.
Not that he could have told you that he
reveled in the beauties of nature. for he was
not poetical-eXcepti in so far that most good
men are so more or less. But he could
have told you that his skies were the blue
eyes of Bet Woodruffe, and his sunshine
was in her smiles.
Jasper Deane was farmer of TIE good
old sort-hard-working and perfectly con-
tent, provided the crops were good and that
Sheep-rot did not get amongst his flocks.
His little farm had descended to him from
his father, and here Jasper had lived with
his mother ever since his first entry into eX-
istence. He would not have bartered his
dear old home for all the splendor of a
palace. The quiet life had the charm of
familiarity, ard he was disturbed by no
ambition to explore the world in quest of
novelty or adventure. In fact, his ambi-
tions, such as they were were common
place enough, though just at present one of
them seemed-to himself at least-absorb-
ingly interesting.
He was engaged to be married; and his
ambition was to make the woman he loved
happy. Bet Woodrufe! Who could help
loving Bet, with her golden hair and soft
blue eyes?
mother, and had lived as pet and plaything
at the farm since she was 70 years old.
How Jasper had cherished the little
creature, played with her, worked with
her, and, as she grew older, hoped for her!
She, too, was fond of ''good old Jasper" +"
and thought him the finest and best fellow
in the country.
So it came about that they told each
other they could never be happy apart.
Jasper said that the farm, with its pretty
garden and orchard. was nothing to him
without Bet; and Bet whispered that she
would love to live there always, with Jas
per-
No wonder, then, if Jasper felt that life
was splendid thing as he carried home
his posy to Bet. Who would not think so
in such position?
Yet, as he crossed the meadow leading to
the farm, slight shadow clouded his eyes,
and he looked down at the flowers with a
half-regretful sigh
"She was half craZed for these anem-
aones." he said to himself; land I've had
t tough time to find 'em. But the lass
takes no. thought for such-like since
hat artist caps bin at her-no, nor yet for.
ME, neither. She's not what She used to
be-. Likely she finds that Pm a bit dull
and rusty. A great, hulking fellow for
such bit O sunlight as she is-bless her!
Bnt love her, and that's saying more nor
tother chap. for all his buttering ways. If
l were to catch him a-fOoling my lass-if
were to think He clinched his hands
with momentary anger, then shook himself
| impatiently, and, opening the gate of the
orchard, added, ''I'il never doubt my Bet
| trust her for a good and sensible lass,
Jasper, lad, and thee'll not find thee was a
| fool for thy pains"
y
In the garden he found her. She was not
alone, for Allan Challoner. the artist from
London, was putting the finishing touches
| to picture in which Bet was the central
| figure He had been there most afternoons
| for the last three weeks. telling Bet thai
| her hair and complexion were themes fol
an artist to immortaliZe, and instilling into
| her innocent mind all the insdious fiattery
he knew so we'll how to administer to al
women-lady or village maid alike. We
may pardon Jasper lovers jealousy Of
such rival-one, moreover. who would be
no worthy rival. for though he might stea
Bets heart, it was all in pure idleness, anG
he had no love to give her in return.
Bet was sitting, bareheaded, at a spin.
ming wheel. as lovely model as could be
seen. She looked up as Jasper came to-
wards her, and it seemed to him that she
was pale. and her smile little tremulous
''Theest been away a long while. Jas
per-" she said. Thy mothers been asking
for thee"
.'Well, doubt not she'll forgive me, fol
twas for thy sake. lass,' he said, putting
the flowers in her lap. ''Thee saidst, ONT
day back, thee wanted anemones, and Eve
got 'em for thee''
80, good Jasper!' she cried. burying he
ldCC Ill tllC UlOSSOulS. ", SOOu
She laid them against her cheek. and ever
and anon looked up at him and murmured
Good Jasper!".i in tone that rang strangel,
to him, it was so unlike her usual merry
chatter.
Meanwhile Challoner was packing up his
things, paying little heed to his companions
He knew Jasper disliked him. and guessed
the reason. AS for Bet--lovely little girl
yes, he would like to show her off to hi
friends. At all events, though tomorrow
was his last day, he meant to make the mos
of it when Jasper's back was turned.
"Good day, Bet" he said, cheerily, whel
he was ready to go. $50 our sittings ar
over. l hope you are as sorry as l am
Here is little keepsake for you-weddin!
present-what you WILL" And as he spol1,
he put round her neck a long gold chain
such as Bet had never, in her dreams
thought of possessing. She gave a cry o
delight, and her face lit up with childlik
pleasure and admiration.
20, tits beautiful-beautiful- -beautiful.'
she said gratefully. ''Tis too fine for sucI
as me, sir. o, cannot thank you as
want! Look, Jasper. look! o, 1 mus
show aunt! Isn't it beautiful, Jasper
lad?"
Jasper's flowers had fallen unheeded tt
| tlc SIOulus WIllS1 Dct StIOhtu GllG Cilall
with eager fingers. Jasper, his brow
drawn together, stood little apart from
the other two with hard knot in his heart
''Tis no use to such as thee" he said
sullenly. "Thee's got no watch to wear OF
it, and if thee had tits too fine to be fiaunt
ing on thy neck O. work days"
=
''Thee's tired, Bet" said Jasper on tn
| f0l1n1yipn i,n To Dot -,
sat, pale and listless at the window, gain,
out into the night.
NAY, Pm not tired" she answered: add
ing hurriedlY. IA We | am.-tired to death